The next level

Good morning! Well, after yet another deadline, I find myself with some time to catch up. First and foremost, everyone is well. My thumb has finally stopped throbbing and I think I am on my way to recovery. I can finally type without wincing in pain. Now, in fact, it is more like a tickle and I can't help but type a sentence without a little smile. Lynley too is on her road to recovery. She however, is not nearly as far along. In day 3 she is in a battle with swelling. Oddly the swelling is not really in her forehead. It has seemed to accumulate at the crown of her nose for some reason. She, of course, sees this as a massive disfiguration. I , on the other hand, still see her as the hot Harry Potter. What can I say? Other than that though, us two old twerps seem to be making a relatively swift recovery.

Now, onto the kiddos.

With all of the excitement over the last few days I really have not had an opportunity to cover the kids Tae Kwon Do tournament. It was meaningful for a few reasons. First, as I mentioned on Monday, they did well. However, this was also a proving ground for them. Did they have the right stuff? Were the ready to truly begin competing? Were they ready to take this to the next level?

Oh yes, this was much deeper than just a bunch of kids kicking the crap out of each other.

On Monday night, after Tae Kwon Do, we were called into Master Adrian's office. The discussion was about Graham and Sydney joining the team. This is a big step for a couple of reasons. This is a whole new level of Tae Kwon Do and it takes a commitment. No longer are we biding our time from one belt to another. The team is about the team and it is serious business. The team works a bit differently. First, we no longer go to our traditional Tae Kwon Do classes. We are now responsible for going to the team practices. There are 3 practices per week and one of them is essentially a double class. On top of that it is still preferred that we go to the sparring practice on Friday to further hone their skills. Fortunately, this is not too different that what we were doing anyway.

The classes, however, are very different.

They are full gear, pedal to the metal practices which focus on Tae Kwon Do in actual use. Team practice goes beyond simply teaching technique. Focus is not only on how to do something but how to do it effectively. The goal is true mastery. It is about the team and less focus is placed on personal belt development. It is no longer about learning the next set of skills as much as mastering the use of the ones you already know. It is for this reason that belt progress will also move much slower. Before, we could expect a new belt about every three months but it will now take considerably longer.

It is a sacrifice for the kiddos. It means more practice and it also means that their friends will likely progress in belt levels before them. It takes dedication and, for this reason, it is their decision. They are required to sign a commitment to the team.

Ultimately, we left the decision up to them.

Of course, with the sacrifice also comes rewards, as members of the team they will travel with the team. This means that they will also be vying for positions at the Junior Olympics and Nationals. Ultimately, they will be groomed with the intent for them to compete at very high levels. In this sense, it is quite an honor. However, once again, it sounds pretty nice but it ultimately comes down to them.

They agreed. They are on the team.

What do I think? Well, of course, I would be lying if I did not say I was proud. And frankly, the idea of have a teen age daughter who is also a competing black belt in Tae Kwon Do is somewhat appealing on the boy front. However, ultimately, for me. I think it is a character builder. I think the kids will learn a lot about themselves - about sacrifice and reward. They will learn that if they try hard enough they can accomplish great things. It will be a great personal journey for both of them. For me this is an incredible opportunity to teach them about life.

The trick will be in keeping it as fun for them as possible.

It is one small step for twerpkind but one huge leap for purpose.

The Hot Harry Potter

You can say that, can't you? I mean you are allowed to call your wife the "hot" version of Harry Potter and get away with it can't you. I sure hope so. Well, the point is that Lynley came through her ordeal just fine. We arrived at the dermatologist's office a few minutes late - go figure, Lynley late. Who would have thought? Regardless, it still was not very long before we were back in the operating suite. After about 20 minutes of prep she was ready to go. The entire procedure took about 5 minutes. Then, of course, we waited for pathology to test the tissue. The good news was that they were able to get all of the cancer out in one fell swoop. This had us leaving the building at roughly 11 to head to the surgery center to be closed by a plastic surgeon. At this point her "look" was questionable. She had a big protective dome on the crown of her forehead. The skin colored covering made her look like some sort of horned creature. However, that was far better than what lurked underneath - a grotesque open wound that looked like the scene from The Believers.

Thankfully, they were able to fit her in a bit earlier at the surgery center. This was good news as she was able to finish in time so that we could pick up the kiddos from school. The only snafu seemed to come in the form of a nurse that did not listen to her in recovery. She had already worked out what drugs she wanted in recovery - none - with the anesthesiologist. Unfortunately, the nurse did not get the message. Lynley asked what the nurse was about to give her. He said Versed. She said that she did not want it. He told her she was not in a place to make her decisions and pushed the drug in anyway. This, of course, sent Lynley off. Her perfect day of skin cancer removal was ruined. I am quite sure that she will now dedicate her life to ensuring that this male "know-it-all" nurse never has the opportunity to do that again. (Wow, do you think she might have some hidden pent up anger towards that type of person?) After our experience dealing with Sydney, we really have lost all filters. We simply don't take that type of thing lying down. Treat the patient - not your ego. It took her the better part of the evening to get over that little incident and, frankly, I am still staying out of swinging distance.

Well that completes most of my coverage of Lynley's big day. She now has a small bandage on her forehead and is recovery nicely. Today we should get our first good look at the incision on her forehead. We are both hoping for a lightning bolt.

Today our purpose should return to normal.

Let the MOHS begin

Good morning! Well it would just figure that today I would have a ton to talk about and a complete inability to do so. You see, after a wildly successful Tae Kwon Do tournament with the kiddos, I decided to cut halfway through my thumb at Chilis. You might think I was trying to do something sophisticated. Nope. I was trying to cut my hamburger in half.

I missed.

I don't really know how you miss cutting your hamburger in half and instead cut your thumb but I sure did it. It did, however, make for an exciting trip to the ER for a few stitches to put Humpty Duffus back together again. To be honest, I was never too concerned about the whole ordeal but the kiddos were all sure I could see the light.

At the end of my stitchery they came in to bandage my wound. I had a choice. I big band aid or a little one. I was hoping for a large complicated wound dressing and thumb board. How was this going to look? This was not going to go over well with the kiddos.

Sure enough, I got home and the kiddos laughed at my little boo boo. Even Ainsley said "That's it - a band aid?" At that point I had to take off the band aid to show them the stitches so that they would believe me. At least my Frankenstein stitched finger returned a little bit of my Daddy cred. Once I proved my toughness to the kiddos by displaying my massive injury I went to the cupboard to get out yet another band aid. Unfortunately, we only had Strawberry Shortcake or SpongeBob band aids. So much for by cred.

Well outside of some throbbing the weekend went smoothly. The kiddos did wonderfully at their Tae Kwon Do tournament. Sydney beat a boy at sparring that was an entire belt above her. I must admit, that made me pretty proud. In all, Graham came home with silver and bronze medals and Sydney came home with gold and silver medals. Their will be some great pictures coming in the next few days (thanks to Mike for being our official photographer).

Well, enough about all that fun stuff. This is the big day. Today Lynley has surgery to remove the skin cancer from her forehead. The fun begins at 9 this morning with the MOHS procedure and will finish up later this afternoon with the plastic surgeon at 2:00 PM. For those of you interesting in following her progress I will be tweeting the highlights from my iPhone. Lynley has been trying to get me to start using twitter so I am finally going to break down and do it. I signed up for a personal twitter account and you can follow me on twitter here. We will keep you updated and for those of you interested in following our day-to-day escapades, well, you can see those as well. We will see how this goes.

Well, I had best be off. There is a mountain to do to get everything ready for this morning. Their are kids to feed and get to school and a wife to get to the hospital.

It will be a long day of purpose.

Mama Marj has arrived!

Ah, the in laws are here. Nothing in life really gets better than that. Well, I suppose a child surviving neuroblastoma is pretty important. Watching the birth of your 3 children, getting married, hearing your child say Daddy for the first time are all good. But, come on, Mama Marj.

Does it get any better?

Yes, the in laws arrived safely. They made it just in time to make the bake sale at SCS and pick up the kiddos. They even got to meet a few of the teachers. That was followed by a trip to Arby's for milkshakes, a tour of my wife's office, and then a quick change for Tae Kwon Do practice.

And who said I was not a good tour guide.

No expense spared for Mama Marj.

Tae Kwon Do was excellent. The class was extremely small and therefore the kiddos had more opportunity for one on one training. Both of them returned to their former TKD grandeur. I am definitely glad we fit in the extra class. It not only helped my confidence level but it was good for them as well. Frankly, I don't care if they win tomorrow. I am just ecstatic that they are prepared. Let the chips fall where they may. If they try hard. I am proud.

Of course, I could just be giddy since everything is right in my life.

Did I mention Mama Marj was in town?

Have a great weekend. I am quite sure mine will be full of purpose... and Mama Marj ;)

Just an ordinary Dungan day.

Writing in my blog was not in the cards yesterday morning. A project for work had me working into the wee hours. That was followed by an early rise to get the project out the door. Unfortunately, it left me no time for morning ramblings. In my absense, things did not slow down. In fact, if anything, things are speeding up. Today, Mimi and Papa are coming in town for a visit. You can top that off with the fact that the plans are already lined out for the next week.

Tonight is our final GSX team practice before our tournament on Saturday in Addison. Graham and Sydney have already had 4 practices this week. Unfortunately, after watching them last night it is pretty apparent that they need some more. Ouch! Hey, I am an honest. I don't know what has happened over the last week but their sparring skills have definitely taken a backslide. For some reason they are both forgetting some of their basics. Tonight we will grind those in and tomorrow we will be sure to do some walk throughs to keep it fresh.

That is all just the beginning. Tomorrow morning is grandparent' day at SCS which means it is time for their big show. All of the kiddos have been rehearsing for weeks (if not more) and they are incredibly excited. I continue to be amazed at the skills these kiddos are learning at SCS. They are able to do so much more than I at their age. Friday will be chock full of grandparent's day activities and it will not stop there. Saturday will be spent in Addison at the Tae Kwon Do tournament. Sunday will hopefully be a day of rest because on Monday Lynley will be going under the knife to have the cancer carved out of her forehead.

Are we busy enough?

Oh yeah, and then there is work. I wonder where we will fit all of that in. I guess that will mean more late nights and early mornings. That is why the string is on both ends of the candle, right?

I am beginning to loose my ability to see purpose for all of the purpose going on.

Dear Lord, another blue sticker?

Yesterday, Ainsley came home with yet another blue sticker. Of course, this is after I jokingly called her a red sticker waiting to happen in front of her teacher. Perhaps, she was defending Ainsley. Or, perhaps Ainsley truly did earn a blue sticker. Regardless, Ainsley could not have been prouder when I showed up to pick her up from school. The moment she saw me she came running to jump in my arms. She hugged me as hard as she could and then brought us all to a stand still as she had to open up her backpack and dig around for her folder so that she could show me the actual real-life blue sticker. As she open her folder I half expected the heavens to part, a bolt of light to shoot up to into the sky, and the sounds of a choir to fill our ears. There is no doubt in my mind that is what Ainsley saw and heard and, frankly, I think I just might have as well.

On the way home, of course, we had to call Mom on the speakerphone to share the good news. Throughout the 30 minute car ride home she would show us the sticker several more times and , of course, we had to talk about it. All the way home she just could not get over it. "Can you believe it, Daddy? I am so good. Did you see my blue sticker?"

I should also note that Graham got a blue sticker today as well. But, I must admit, it was completely overshadowed by the sheer joy surrounding Ainsley. (Get used to it buddy, we are surrounded by dominant girls.)

I remain intrigued by Ainsley's behavior at school. I have always known her to be sweet and absolutely adorable. I can also tell you that, of all of my children, she is currently the best hugger and the most affectionate. I wonder if that is the way she is at school. The funny thing is that she is somewhat like a cat. You can love her and give her cuddles one moment and the next second the claws are out and she has slapped you across the back of the head. The second she feels wronged or has grown tired of your affection - DUCK!

I am guessing she probably does not do that at school which tells me that she can control it. And, if she can control the reaction there, why doesn't she do it at home? She doesn't get away with it and punishments are swift and consistent. What's the deal?

Regardless, as always, I am incredibly proud. Everyday the kiddos continue to show me what great little human beings they are becoming.

I am still not ready to show Ainsley any of my weaknesses but I must admit that I am as proud of her as she is. In fact, I am downright giddy.

Still, we may all wait until we are on school grounds before we get too excited - just to be safe.

Ainsley - you are an awesome purpose.

Mixed Reviews

Good morning! Well, as if last week was not busy enough with scans, Friday concluded our predominantly non-working week with a day full of parent/teacher conferences. Thankfully, though, these were planned. The surprise ones are the ones that you have to watch out for. We spent time with each of the kiddos teachers. We went over all of their work and got an idea of where they fit in within their classes.

Going into the meetings, my biggest concerns were for Graham. Don't get me wrong, Graham is a smart little boy. As I had mentioned a few weeks ago though, he had some areas that needed to be improved and these fell into the category of parent failures, not Graham failures. Here is were the rub comes in. As we began working with Graham we found that he was having a lot of difficulty memorizing his sight words. No matter how much we worked with him it seemed as though the moment we took a break everything we had gone over would mysteriously leak out of his brain. It had no staying power.

If I am being honest I am much the same way. It is impossible for me to memorize things. I have to understand and comprehend. However, once I reach that threshold it is remembered forever and better yet I can apply it and add on to the knowledge quickly and easily. The problem is getting over that first hump. I suspect this is the issue with Graham. Regardless, we were still concerned. After meeting with the teacher we found that Graham truly was like his dad. There were many areas were he excelled in recalling material from memory. Clearly, we were teaching him this particular task (and others) the wrong way. Straight memorization was not going to work for him. Now the trick was in finding out how his brain remembers things so that we can teach him to apply it. If we can help him over this hurdle he truly is home free. The boy is doing well in school but he will be doing much better if we can get him through this. Looking at his evaluation was interesting. He either did great - well above the curve - or he failed miserably (by our standards). The consistencies were in tasks requiring straight memorization. So, it seems, for Graham we have a solution on the horizon. We just have to figure out what it is.

In the end, I came out most pleased. The things I have neglected to mention were all of the things that are right with Graham. It is evident that we are growing a truly wonderful and compassionate human being. I am proud. He is a good seed.

Sydney's evaluation was great. We identified some areas where we could help her improve but for the most part it was a stellar review. How much can you say. She received straight A's and her behaviour was considered better than satisfactory. She is truly succeeding in this environment. We just have to continue to support her success by challenging her.

Ainsley's evaluation was a bit different and, if I am being honest, I give it absolutely no credibility at all. Frankly she received zeros in several areas where we know she knew the material. It was clear that she did not understand the instructions of the test she was being given. Even the teacher admitted this must have been the problem but could not really recall any specifics. Ainsley simply refused to take parts of the test by saying that she could not do them. Things that we know she knows. There was no apparent attempt to correct this or to find out what has going on. I assume that was a characteristic of the testing procedures but I still would have liked to known what the issue was. They simply gave her a zero and moved on. It was frustrating. We had little, if anything, to go off of and we never had the opportunity to evaluate her based on what she truly does or does not know. So, what I do have is history, I don't like comparing my kiddos but I can tell you with experience that Ainsley is a superbly bright little girl. In fact, I would say she is much farther ahead than either Graham or Sydney were at this point. I am sure there are areas where she needs improvement but I have no idea of what they are. It that sense it was a disappointing meeting at best.

Well, I hate to end on a sour note, but there is a mountain of work awaiting me. As you might expect I have about a week's worth piled on my desk. I also have an article on brown fat and MIBG that I am getting reviewed and hope to post later this week. It will be a busy one.

As always, it will be filled with purpose first.